Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Does She Play Like This in Private Too? (Part 2)
"No, I didn’t mean that..."
Elias Hawthorne’s brow furrowed: "Are you saying Raina’s reputation doesn’t matter, Father-in-law?"
Gideon North was so frightened by Elias Hawthorne’s cold demeanor that his legs trembled. He hurriedly waved his hands: "Of course not! I, I..."
The rest of his words were stammered, and he couldn’t get them out.
Mrs. Hawthorne watched with disdain. If The North Family weren’t useful to her, she wouldn’t bother with such a family.
Suppressing her displeasure, she smiled: "Elias, you really need to take charge of this matter. The North Family is Raina’s maternal family, and Claire is her sister. Such a scandal, even with The Hawthorne Group’s public relations department, can’t stop the widespread gossip. Don’t you agree?"
"Auntie, weren’t you from the entertainment industry? Don’t you know now is the worst time to make an appearance?"
Elias Hawthorne’s words were tempered, yet they made Mrs. Hawthorne feel uncomfortable.
To ordinary people, a star who rose to fame in the entertainment industry for decades seems glamorous, but to a prestigious family, they’re just people who don’t belong on a grand stage.
Especially for a noble family like The Hawthorne Family, with a legacy spanning centuries.
Mrs. Hawthorne forced a smile: "I was just worried at the moment, didn’t think it through. Thank you, Elias, for the reminder."
"There’s no need for you to be so polite, Auntie."
Gideon North became more anxious: "Elias, are you just going to ignore Claire? She’s going to be ruined!"
"Father-in-law, don’t worry. If she’s been framed, I will not stand idly by."
With Elias Hawthorne’s assurance, Gideon North still couldn’t fully calm down. He knew his wife too well; she deeply hated Raina North and would stop at nothing to plot against her.
In this matter, rather than Claire North being restless, it’s more like a plot gone wrong and turned against her.
Otherwise, on The North Family’s turf, unless Claire willingly agreed, who could force her to sleep with a beggar!
The more Gideon North thought, the more anxious he became: "Son-in-law, we can’t wait any longer. If something happens to Claire, her grandfather won’t be able to bear it. You know, Raina is the most filial to grandfather."
Elias Hawthorne was silent for a while, then reluctantly nodded: "Father-in-law, rest assured. I will handle this matter."
After speaking, he finally walked towards the back garden.
Gideon North sighed in relief and raised his hand to wipe away the cold sweat on his forehead.
"President North is truly fortunate to have raised such an outstanding daughter."
Gideon North bowed humbly: "Oh, not at all. My dear mother-in-law, you’re too kind."
Mrs. Hawthorne agreed, but her eyes were cold. Elias Hawthorne caring so much about Raina North wasn’t a good thing; her niece was still waiting to marry into The Hawthorne Family!
...
In the back garden.
Raina North sat with two little ones on a tree branch, enjoying the breeze.
The evening wind gently eased her internal heat.
After leaving the room, the first thing Raina did was apply acupuncture to alleviate the drug’s effects. Furthermore, even though the drug was potent, it had weakened considerably after dispersing in the air. Otherwise, instead of watching the scene, she might have ended up like Claire North, finding even a beggar attractive.
Baby Hawthorne tilted his head, looking at Raina North: "Mommy, how are you feeling?"
"Not bad."
"Oh..." Baby Hawthorne expressed regret.
Raina North lifted her eyelids and glanced at Baby Hawthorne: "What? Did you really plan to have your daddy drink a large dose of medicine and then send him to my bed?"